Letter to the Editor: Ted Folkerth

When folks of integrity in the thoroughbred industry like Fred Seitz, John Gosden, and Greg Ferraro DVM speak out to abolish race day medication, I am troubled by those who feel it is necessary to administer intravenous race day medications for a perceived advantage. I have been a breeder for over 32 years and a practicing cardiac surgeon for over 40 years and it is incomprehensible to think that race day medication will improve the breed. Clearly, the pendulum has swung for serious breeders to seek breeding stock from countries that do not allow race day medication. It is past time for the formation of a national organization with uniform rule enforcement that is consistent with countries in Asia, Europe Australia and South Africa. 

I applaud the three gentlemen mentioned above and, hopefully, their comments and commitment will be a seminal collection of learned study to lead to a new direction for the thoroughbred industry. 

Respectfully, 
Ted Folkerth, M.D. 
Del Mar, California